Small Business

The 9 must-read business books of 2018

No matter what stage you and your business are in, you can always learn something. In fact, most CEOs read four to five books each month for inspiration on how to take their business to the next level.

Whether you’re looking for advice on how to grow your business or you made a resolution to stop binging on Netflix (nothing wrong with that!) and pick up a book instead, here are our top picks for business books you should read in 2018.

If you want to transform your workplace:

Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen

If you want your business to stick around:

Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras

Collins and Porras did the work so you don’t have to — studying 18 companies (such as Disney and American Express) from their beginnings to their current state, and laying out what made them exceptional so that you can follow their footsteps.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur:

Rich20Something: Ditch Your Average Job, Start an Epic Business, and Score the Life You Want by Daniel DiPiazza

Don’t be put off by the title. While DiPiazza is young, he’s already launched multiple successful businesses. In this book, he uses real-world case studies to walk you through the steps of building a successful business — from fail-proofing your business idea to promoting your company.

If you want to take your business to the next level:

How did Airbnb, Pinterest, and Facebook become the powerhouses they are today? The answer: growth hacking — a method both start-ups and established companies use to grow quickly. In this book, Ellis and Brown teach you how to create your own growth hacking strategy to scale your business.

If you need help crafting your message:

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller

Not sure how to talk about your business? In this book, Miller explains why customers make purchases and how to create effective messaging that’ll drive more sales.

If your goal is to become more focused:

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

Between smartphones, Facebook, and everyday life, it’s no wonder we’re all having trouble concentrating on our work. In this guide, Newport goes over four rules for transforming your mind and habits.

If you want to improve your leadership skills:

Can I Have Your Attention?: Inspiring Better Work Habits, Focusing Your Team, and Getting Stuff Done in the Constantly Connected Workplace by Curt Steinhorst

The title pretty much says it all. If you want to learn how to organize and manage your team and help them focus on their work, this book is a must-read.

If you’re burnt out:

Find the Fire: Ignite Your Inspiration — and Make Work Exciting Again by Scott Mautz

Are you tired? Run down? Listless? The answer to all your problems may lie in this little book, which is packed with insights, exercises, inspiration, checklists, and more.

If you want to make a difference:

The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn

Recounting the true story of a mail carrier named Fred, who saw his job as an opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives, Sanborn explains how you can do the same.

What books have been most helpful to you and your business? If you have a recommendation for a book to add to our reading list, we would love to hear it — share it with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter!